ACCORDION FOLDERS UTILIZING BALLISTIC MATERIALS FOR IMPROVED BULLET RESISTANCE
A folder suitable for holding and organizing paper and school materials further comprising ballistic materials disposed of in a front cover and back cover of said folder.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/912,910 filed on Dec. 6, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Presently disclosed embodiments are related to filing folders or carriers, especially those utilized by school age children wherein said filing folders comprise ballistic materials that provide improved bullet and shrapnel resistance.
BACKGROUNDNumerous serious attacks on school age children reveal the need for simple, yet, effective devices to aid in protecting such children from deadly assault. While mechanisms exist to prevent intrusion of armed individuals into school zones, these attempts have, to date, proven unsuccessful in most instances. Indeed, it is likely impossible to prevent entrance into some of these school zones where entry is by force.
Accordingly, while debate rages on about the ability of school officials or teachers to carry concealed weapons, as well as other strategies to minimize risk to children, there has yet to be simple, yet effective products that children can utilize to protect themselves should they face an attack by a gun or other explosive that may produce shrapnel.
A variety of organizer systems and organizer devices are known in the art and are provided with various pockets for storing materials, useful tools, paper, and the like. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,904,003 to Margerum, issued Sep. 9, 1975, discloses a combination carrying case and traveling desk having a handle and an accordion file with pockets for storing various items. Another example is the portable file case disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,454 to Wang, issued Jun. 26, 1990, which allows for the stored files, having a plurality of compartments to be removed from case. Yet another example is the combination organizer and accordion file disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,170 to Chisolm, issued Sep. 21, 1999, that is provided with carrying handles and which has built in pockets and storage areas as well as an accordion file with dividers.
Further organizer type products exist, comprising numerous features, including: U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,682, issued to Domotor et al. on Jun. 6, 2006, discloses a padfolio with compartmentalized interior, U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,706, issued to Thompson on Jun. 17, 2003, discloses a folding portfolio organizer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,673, issued to Adams on Jun. 4, 1991, discloses a carrying case for personal items, U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,092, issued to Heard-Willmon on Nov. 16, 1999, discloses a folding organizer, U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,234, issued to Maistrellis on Mar. 22, 2011, discloses a compact storage device for receipts, coupons, and other small paper documents, U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,368, issued to Chang on Jan. 4, 2005, discloses compact disc container, U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,279, issued to Lee et al. on Sep. 7, 1999, discloses a storage system, U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,509, issued to Su on May 20, 1997, discloses an accordion-like file, U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,724 issued to Ho on Sep. 9, 1997, discloses a compartmentalized file folder apparatus, U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,122, issued to Ong on Aug. 19, 2003, discloses combined detachable filing wallet devices, U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,439, issued to Platte, III on Jan. 6, 2004, discloses a paper tote/organizer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,086, issued to Ho on Jan. 14, 1997, discloses a document holder with an extensible-retractable bag, U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,112, issued to Pettey on Oct. 2, 2001, discloses a compact disc folder booklet, U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,083, issued to Huang on Jul. 16, 2002, discloses an accordion laser disc protective folder, U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,165, issued to Moeller et al. on Apr. 20, 2010, discloses a multipurpose organizer system and folder with planner and/or writing surface and storage compartments, U.S. Pat. No. D513,279, issued to Hough et al. on Dec. 27, 2005, discloses the ornamental design for a folio filer, U.S. Pat. No. D521,072, issued to Hough et al. on May 16, 2006, discloses the ornamental design for a folio filer, U.S. Pat. No. D529,963, issued to Hough et al. on Oct. 10, 2006, discloses the ornamental design for a folio filer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,779, issued to Moor et al. on Aug. 13, 2002, discloses a binder with expandable pockets, U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,666, issued to Yu on May 12, 1998, discloses an expandable file, U.S. Pat. No. D448,799, issued to Moor on Oct. 2, 2001, discloses the ornamental design for a folder, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,794,560, issued to Styll on Mar. 3, 1931, discloses a correspondence folder.
However, none of these binders provide the ability for storage of paper, pencils, scissors, as well as other items for transport between two locations while discretely providing ballistic support materials therein. Typically, these types of binders are utilized by school-age children for organizing and carrying of pencils, pens, paperclips, erasers, as well as materials they create at school or at home and for the transport of such materials between two locations. However, none of the prior art discloses the use of ballistic materials within such folders or binders that are suitable for protecting students from intrusion.
SUMMARYEmbodiments of the present disclosure relate to folders for carrying and organizing paper and other school materials constructed, in-part, with ballistic materials to provide improved bullet and shrapnel resistance.
Further embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a paper carrying device, comprising at least a front cover and a rear cover and at least three internal compartments for securing and organizing paper and other chattels; wherein each said cover and internal compartment further comprises a ballistic material.
A further embodiment is a folder comprising a front cover and a rear cover and at least one internal panel; each of said front cover, rear cover, and internal panel comprising at a ballistic material; and wherein said internal panel comprises at least one opening for storage and organization of chattels.
A further embodiment is a folder comprising: a generally rectangular front panel having an upper edge; a generally rectangular rear panel spaced from said front panel and having an upper edge; at least one center panel positioned intermediate said front and rear panels, wherein each said panel comprises a left and right side edge; wherein each of said front panel, back panel, and center panel comprise a ballistic material; wherein an accordion material is attached to said left and right side edges, connecting said front, center and rear panels, thereby creating between said central pane and said rear and front panels a compartments, said accordion material adapted to expand along a direction from said center panel toward said rear/front panels, as said compartments are filled; means for hingeably opening and closing said front panel against said center panel; means for selectively retaining said front panel closed against said center panel; further comprising a pair of handles wherein the first of said handles attached to an exterior surface of said front panel proximate said upper edge, and the second of said handles attached to an exterior surface of said rear panel proximate said upper edge, and means for selectively securing said rear panel to said front panel.
A folder comprising an external body having a front and a back cover, a plurality of protective pockets, and multiple accordion folding sheets, comprising: said external body comprising at least one sheet of a ballistic material and configured for opening; plural partitions disposed of in said external body, each partition having a pocket forming body secured on each side thereof, the pocket forming bodies and partitions together forming said protective pockets, each protective pocket having closing means, adapted to receive paper; each said accordion folding sheet being folded in fanned shape so as to have intervals located between its folds, each accordion folding sheet having front and rear fixing ends secured to portions of said external body; and wherein when the external body is opened, all of the pockets are adapted to be displayed, thereby providing convenient access to the materials stored within said pockets.
All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
As used herein, the term “about” is intended to encompass a range of values ±10% of the specified value(s). For example, the phrase “about 20” is intended to encompass ±10% of 20, i.e. from 18 to 22, inclusive.
As used herein, the term “school materials” refers to papers, pencils, pens, staplers, erasers, notes, glue, tape, paperclips, straight edges, and other similar materials that are used by school aged children and are commonly transferred from home to school and back.
As used herein, the term “school aged children” refers to kids from ages of about 3 to about 18.
An “accordion material” is a material that can be folded or compressed so as to expand or contract. Such materials can include folded paper materials, elastic materials, and the like.
As used herein, the term “ballistic material” means a material having a NIJ level II or IIA or higher rating as defined by the National Institute of Justice.
In view of
In view of
In the same manner that the ballistic material 6 is secured to the internal panel 8, such ballistic material is also suitable secured to other panels in the same manner. It is preferred that at least two panels, i.e. the front and rear panel, or a front and internal panel comprise a ballistic material 6.
In view of
In other embodiments, foam sheets, such as GA 20 are utilized in each internal panel 8. Other suitable foam materials may be exchanged for the GA 20 material, wherein they provide similar properties, as is known to one of skill in the art.
In some embodiments, it is suitable that the internal panel 8 is wholly fabricated from the ballistic material. Regardless of the material of the internal panel 8, additional features, such as a pocket, may be thereafter secured to said internal panel 8.
The ballistic material 6 comprises any number of now known or materials to be developed that have a NIJ rating of II or IIA or higher. Preferably, the ballistic material 6 is a lightweight material capable of being secured to another material, either by an adhesive or stitching, or is suitable for being secured between two other materials. A folder comprises at least one sheet of ballistic material 6, the location of this sheet can be either the front cover 4, the back cover 5, or an internal panel. It may be preferable to provide several sheets of ballistic material either together, or spaced apart, so as to ensure lightweight but safe materials for use by school aged children.
In a preferred embodiment, at least three total sheets of ballistic material 6 are utilized within a folder 1; one secured to the front cover 4, one to the back cover 5, and at least one utilized within or secured to an internal panel 8. The ballistic materials 6 used for each of the front, back and internal panels may be of the same or different rating. In particular, the goal is to provide for a folder 1 that continues to be lightweight and user friendly for school age children, while still providing enhanced ballistic protection.
In view of
In view of
In
Therefore, a preferred embodiment comprises a folder comprising: a generally rectangular front panel, 4 having an upper edge; a generally rectangular rear panel 5 spaced from said front panel and having an upper edge; at least one center panel 8 positioned intermediate said front 4 and rear panels 5, wherein each said panel comprises a left and right side edge; wherein each of said front panel 4, back panel 5, and center panel 8 comprise a ballistic material 6. Attached to the left and right side edges and connecting the front, center and rear panels is an according material, thereby creating a compartment between said central pane and said rear and front panels. The accordion material is adapted to expand along a direction from said center panel toward said rear/front panels, as said compartments are filled. The panels are secured together at a base e.g. 9 for hingeably opening and closing said front panel 4 against said center panel 8. Furthermore a latching means 11 for selectively retaining said front panel 4 closed against said rear panel 5. It is preferred that at least one handle 12 is attached to an exterior surface of said front panel proximate said upper edge.
In view of
In view of
In other embodiments, it is important to protect the ballistic material with at least a thin sheet of some other non-ballistic material. Accordingly, the material may be glued or sewn to the ballistic material as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, in some embodiments, the construction of the folder may comprise any combination of the elements described herein, so as to provide for a folder comprising a ballistic material, suitable of providing for NIJ level II, IIA, or higher protection, and being of such size and weight to be easily carried by a school age child.
In view of
In view of
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It is considered that the folder may be carried in hand or would be suitable for placement in a bag, backpack, or other carrying device. It is also suitable for attaching a shoulder strap or a longer carrying strap. A further embodiment may utilize a pair or group of wheels and a telescoping handle in further embodiments, so that the folder 1 may be rolled instead of carried.
Accordingly, preferred embodiments of the folder include a folder system having a spine or bottom element, a front cover and a rear cover and at least one internal panel 8, wherein the internal panel 8 is secured to the spine or bottom element thereby holding the front cover, rear cover, and internal panel about parallel to one another. Secured to the sides of the folder is a movable material, that allows the folder to open and move, but creates between the internal panel 8 and the front cover and rear cover, pockets for placement of school materials. In such preferred embodiment, a ballistic material is included within the front cover, the rear cover, and the internal panel.
In a further preferred embodiment, the internal panels are themselves folders, and are secured to a spine. Further connected to the spine are the front cover and rear cover. Because the internal panels are folders, a side paneling is not required to create a folder. Instead, the school materials are placed directly into a folder, much like a typical 3-ring binder has open sides. However, disposed of on or within the front cover, the rear cover, and at least one internal panel is a ballistic material.
In a preferred embodiment, a folder includes an external body made of a front and a back cover, a plurality of protective pockets, and two accordion folding sheets that attach at the sides of the front and back covers. The external body is configured to expand to expose the internal pockets. Indeed, there are preferably a plurality of partitions disposed of in said external body, each partition having a pocket forming body secured on each side thereof, the pocket forming bodies and partitions together forming said protective pockets, each protective pocket having closing means, adapted to receive paper. It is preferred that each said accordion folding sheet being folded in fanned shape so as to have intervals located between its folds, each accordion folding sheet having front and rear fixing ends secured to portions of said external body. Finally, when the shell body is opened, all of the pockets are adapted to be displayed, thereby providing convenient access to the materials stored within said pockets.
In a further preferred embodiment, a folder comprises a front cover, a rear cover, at least two internal panels, and a polycarbonate plate.
In a further preferred embodiment a folder comprises a front cover, a rear cover, at least two internal panels, a polycarbonate plate, and GA foam.
The materials, methods, and figures presented herein are intended to be illustrative, and not to be construed as limiting the scope or content of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms are intended to have their art-recognized meanings.
Claims
1. A folder for carrying school materials comprising a spine, a front cover, a rear cover, and at least one internal panel; wherein said front cover, rear cover, and at least one internal panel are each attached to said spine and allowing each of the front cover, rear cover, and internal panel to be held about parallel to one another; and wherein each of said front cover, rear cover, and internal panel comprising at least one ballistic material.
2. The folder of claim 1 wherein said internal panel comprises at least one opening for storage and organization of chattels or other school materials.
3. The folder of claim 1 wherein said ballistic material meets the standards for a NIJ level II or IIA or higher rating.
4. The folder of claim 1 further comprising a first polycarbonate plate disposed of in the front cover and second polycarbonate plate disposed of in the rear cover.
5. The folder of claim 1 further comprising a foam sheet disposed of in said front cover and said rear cover.
6. The folder of claim 1 further comprising at least two wheels and a telescoping handle; wherein said wheels are secured to said spine, and said telescoping handle is secured to said rear cover.
7. The folder of claim 1 further comprising a pair of handles, one secured to each the front and rear cover.
8. The folder of claim 1 further comprising a shoulder strap.
9. The folder of claim one wherein said internal panel comprises a ballistic material and a two sheets of a second material that sandwich the ballistic material, wherein the ballistic material is secured between said two sheets by materials consisting of glue, staples, thread, or combinations thereof.
10. The folder of claim 1 comprising at least three internal panels; wherein said front cover, rear cover, and at least three internal panels are arranged parallel to one another, but secured in different positions along said spine, such that said covers and internal panels create spaces between the cover and panel or between each panel; and wherein each said cover and internal compartment further comprises a ballistic material.
11. A folder comprising:
- a. a generally rectangular front panel having an upper edge;
- b. a generally rectangular rear panel spaced from said front panel and having an upper edge;
- c. at least one center panel positioned intermediate said front and rear panels, wherein each said panel comprises a left and right side edge;
- d. wherein each of said front panel, back panel, and center panel comprise a ballistic material;
- e. wherein an accordion material is attached to said left and right side edges, connecting said front, center and rear panels, thereby creating between said central pane and said rear and front panels a compartments, said accordion material adapted to expand along a direction from said center panel toward said rear/front panels, as said compartments are filled;
- f. means for hingeably opening and closing said front panel against said center panel;
- g. means for selectively retaining said front panel closed against said center panel; and
- h. means for selectively securing said rear panel to said front panel.
12. The folder of claim 11 further comprising a pair of handles wherein the first of said handles attached to an exterior surface of said front panel proximate said upper edge, and the second of said handles attached to an exterior surface of said rear panel proximate said upper edge.
13. The folder of claim 11 wherein said ballistic material meets the standards for a NIJ level II or IIA or higher rating.
14. The folder of claim 11 further comprising a first polycarbonate plate disposed of in the front panel and second polycarbonate plate disposed of in the rear panel.
15. The folder of claim 11 further comprising a foam sheet disposed of in at least one of said front panel, said rear panel, or an internal panel.
16. A folder comprising an external body having a front and a back cover, a plurality of protective pockets, and two accordion folding sheets, wherein:
- a. said external body comprises at least one sheet of a ballistic material and configured for opening;
- b. a plurality of partitions disposed of in said external body, each partition having a pocket forming body secured on each side thereof, the pocket forming bodies and partitions together forming a protective pocket, each protective pocket having closing means, adapted to receive paper;
- c. each said accordion folding sheet being folded in fanned shape so as to have intervals located between its folds, each accordion sheet having front and rear fixing ends secured to portions of said external body; and
- d. wherein when the shell body is opened, all of the pockets are adapted to be displayed, thereby providing convenient access to the materials stored within said pockets.
17. The folder of claim 16 wherein at least one of said pocket form body comprises a non-opaque material.
18. The folder of claim 16 wherein said ballistic material meets the standards for a NIJ level II or IIA or higher rating.
19. The folder of claim 16 further comprising a first polycarbonate plate disposed of in the front cover and second polycarbonate plate disposed of in the back cover.
20. The folder of claim 16 further comprising a foam sheet disposed of in at least one of said front cover, said rear cover, or a partition.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 5, 2014
Publication Date: Jun 11, 2015
Inventor: Daren Berringer (Collegeville, PA)
Application Number: 14/562,320